Why we're driving it: Mazda has addressed the key complaint against its petrol-powered CX-5 – that its 2.0-litre engine lacked grunt. It now has a bigger unit with 22 per cent more power.

Likes: Mazda's new engine gives the CX-5 the lungs its athletic chassis deserved. The 138kW and 250Nm unit makes for a noticeable increase in performance over the old engine's 113kW and 198 Nm. It's still one of the best SUVs to steer, with a car-like driving experience that puts most rivals to shame. The heart transplant came at a cost of just $500 more than last year's less powerful car, which still includes a high-tech Bluetooth system capable of showing email and text messages on the interior touch screen.

Dislikes: The 2.5-litre motor is reserved for (more expensive) all-wheel-drive models and uses 1L/100km more fuel than its 2.0-litre front-wheel-drive siblings. As with the Mazda6, the company's free metallic paint policy has been dropped for the addition of $200 “soul red” paint.

Would I buy one: Yes. The CX-5 is one of the best SUVs on sale, and took out Drive's Car of the Year award as the best SUV under $40,000. The bigger engine will help it fight against revitalised opposition in the form of the new Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Forester, which were launched earlier this year.